Joanetta Downs

Joanetta Downs

Upcoming Events

Jan

22

Visitation

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Nave Funeral Home

4639 W Main St, Erin, TN 37061

Jan

22

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Chapel of Nave Funeral Home

4639 West Main Street, Erin, TN 37061

Services provided by

Nave Funeral Home - Erin

Joanetta Downs Obituary

Visit the Nave Funeral Home - Erin website to view the full obituary.

Joanetta “Joan” Downs, age 70 of Cumberland City, TN, passed away January 21, 2026 at Signature Healthcare of Erin.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Chapel of Nave Funeral Home with Bro. Stephen Cathey and Bro. Randy Spurgeon officiating. Burial will follow in Lowry Cemetery.

The Downs family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the hour of service Thursday afternoon.

Joan entered this life on July 4, 1955 in Houston County, TN, daughter to the late Eugene “Bud” Smith and Irene Howell Smith. Joan was a faithful member of Elk Creek Baptist Church and had a love for working in her yard, canning, and crafting. She was known to be the best cook ever, and had a deep love for her family; she will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her siblings, Paul “Buster” Smith, Jimmy “Babe” Smith, and Linda Gibbs.

Survivors include her loving husband of 30 years, Tracy Downs; brother, Rudy Smith; sister-in-law, Jinny Biggs; and a host of nieces, nephews, great- nieces, and great-nephews. Joan also leaves behind her precious dog, Zipper.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elk Creek Baptist Church, 862 Elk Creek Rd, Cumberland City, TN, 37050, and or The Lowry Cemetery Fund, 268 Little Fork Rd, Cumberland City, TN, 37050.

Arrangements are in the care of Nave Funeral Home, (931) 289-4277, NaveFuneralHomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Nave Funeral Home - Erin

4639 West Main St, Erin, TN 37061

Make a Donation
in Joanetta Downs's name

How to support Joanetta's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joanetta Downs's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Jan

22

Visitation

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Nave Funeral Home

4639 W Main St, Erin, TN 37061

Jan

22

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Chapel of Nave Funeral Home

4639 West Main Street, Erin, TN 37061

Services provided by

Nave Funeral Home - Erin